Tentative deal in place for wharf extension in Fortune

The Fortune Port Corporation continues to work to find a solution that will allow for the loading and offloading of vehicles on the new ferries for St. Pierre and Miquelon. Pictured is the Canada Border Services Agency building in Fortune. - Colin Farrell

FORTUNE, N.L.—It would appear that steps are in place in Fortune for the extension of the existing wharf near the Canada Border Services building to allow for the loading and off-loading of vehicles to and from the ferry.

In a letter sent to Fortune town council by Earl Rose, president of the Fort Port Corporation, he explained that a tentative agreement had been reached with the Territorial Collective of St. Pierre et Miquelon.

When contacted by The Southern Gazette, Rose declined to comment on the details of the tentative agreement between the two parties. Attempts were also made to contact Stéphane Lenormand, president of the Territorial Collective of Saint Pierre et Micquelon for details on the agreement but a response was not received by deadline.

According to the letter, the corporation has also successfully negotiated a tentative agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Small Craft Harbours division, the Bank of Nova Scotia and the Fortune Harbour Authority.

Traffic changes

The Town of Fortune has decided to convert a section of Harbour Drive — from the intersection on Plant Road to the intersection on Community Street — to a one-way street.

The decision follows a request from the Fortune Port Corporation. The changes are needed to meet requirements set out by Canada Border Services.

In a letter to the Town of Fortune, Rose wrote: “. . . vehicle traffic routes on Harbour Drive will have to change in order to comply with the Statement of Requirements of Canada Border Services, in respect to customs services relating to inspections of vehicles, (and) freight trailers loading and off-loading to and from the new ferry vessel.

During a meeting held on Jan. 28, council also approved a number of other recommendations in relation to the wharf expansion project including relocating the Fortune Head Ecology Monument and the relocation of a boat launch belonging to Fisheries and Oceans Canada Small Craft Harbours branch.